UAE Red Crescent distributes relief goods in Basra

posted on 18/04/2003: 723 views

An UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) delegation yesterday visited the Basra Paediatric Hospital and distributed mineral water, food and medicines among patients. The delegation studied with the plight of Iraqi children as a result of the recent events. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Aidani, Director of the hospital, said an agreement was reached with the RCA to provide the hospital with essential items. "We are facing some difficulties in treating various cases, particularly because of power cut, shortage of fresh water and some materials such as oxygen and anaesthesia. "Moreover the hospital staff could not report to work regularly," Al Aidani said. The UAE (RCA) delegation headed by Salim Ali Salim Al Ghafli had arrived to Umm Qasr Port six days ago.

Since its arrival in its fifth mission and the first after the war on Iraq, the delegation started studying the situation in some hospitals and social facilities to assess the needs of the people. The delegation conducted several charity missions in Basra, Umm Qasr and the neighbouring villages. They delivered aid materials including foodstuff, medicine, water, generators and water purification equipment to the Iraqi people. The delegation held talks with other humanitarian organisations and international charities on aid distribution.

This is the first relief consignment to Iraq and is part of the RCA's humanitarian efforts, said Al Ghafli.

He said more relief will arrive soon to in a bid to improve the deteriorating conditions of the Iraqi brethren and to contribute to their urgent requirements. The vessel is carrying 700 tonnes of foodstuffs. He urged citizens in the UAE to contribute to Iraqi people through the RCA's centres set throughout the UAE. (The Gulf News)